Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle

One of the longer day-walks in the Katoomba area, this track goes from the very popular Scenic World to the fantastic lookout on top of the Ruined Castle and then on to the amazing Mt Solitary. Be prepared for a long, but amazing, day of viewing the Jamison Valley. Make sure you are back to catch the train up in time, or be prepared to walk out one of the alternate routes, either via Furber Steps or via the Golden Staircase.* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Scenic World

Scenic World is one of the most renowned tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Located on the cliffs of the Jamison Valley , visitors can enjoy a ride on the Scenic Railway (the world’s steepest incline railway) or the Scenic Cableway, into the Jamison Valley, and explore the Scenic Walkway from the base. Alternatively, the Scenic Skyway offers a bird’s eye view over the valley, with a glass floor to enhance the experience. Scenic World also features a revolving restaurant, a cafe and a kiosk, in addition to the documentary theatre and souvenir shop. Rides can be purchased, starting from $16 for adults and $10 for children, and combination or family passes are available. More info.

(0km) Scenic World → Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)

300 m

26 mins

8m

-210m

Very easy

From Scenic World, this walk goes down the cliffs using the Scenic Railway. Hang on tight! This 415m-long journey is the world’s steepest railway. At the bottom, the track comes to a great viewing platform of the valley. Use of the railway costs $10 for adults and $5 for children one-way. Last train normally at 4:45pm (opens at 9am) More info.

(0.3km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) → Scenic World

870 m

28 mins

248m

-46m

Hard track

Turn right: From the Scenic Railway Platform, this walk heads north-east (keeping the valley on the right), soon passing through the gate signposted ‘Blue Mountains National Park’, and then along the bush track. This goes along the flat, next to the cliffs, until reaching the bottom of a set of stairs on the left, signposted as the ‘Furber Steps’.Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs. After the first section, the walk flattens out slightly as it zigzags up the hill. The track also goes under several large overhangs before coming to an intersection and a ‘Vera’s Grotto’ sign.Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Scenic Skyway’ sign up the wooden steps and across the short wooden boardwalk to the other side. The track continues with the hand railing on the left, until reaching the base of the Furber Steps. From here, the walk continues up the concrete steps, zigzagging steeply up the side of the cliff, until reaching the Furber Lookout at the base of the last flight of steps.Continue straight: From the Furber Lookout, this walk heads up the concrete stairs, climbing to the top.
The walk passes the ‘Furber Steps’ signpost and continues along the bush track, winding up along the side of the hill until coming to the intersection of the Furber Steps and the Lynes Point tracks.Turn left : From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track, heading down the short metal staircase to the intersection of the Lynes Point bush track at the bottom.Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads up the stairs, climbing to the top. Here it continues along the bush track, winding past a large rock overhang with a bench seat underneath and through the forest for a short while, to the signposted intersection of the ‘Underfalls Walk’.Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the bush track heading up the hill, winding up through the forest for a short while. Soon the track bends slightly around to the right and comes to the Rainforest Lookout, at the base of the set of wooden steps.Turn left : From the Rainforest Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps, climbing to the top where it comes to a ‘T’ intersection with the ‘Round Walk’ track.Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Scenic Skyway’ sign down the wooden steps, then flattens out for a short distance before continuing up the other side, climbing up the long, steep set of wooden steps. At the top, the walk comes to the intersection of the Round Walk and the Juliets Balcony track (unsignposted).Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads to the top of the metal stairs. The track then continues steeply up through the bush, climbing to Vanimans Lookout.Turn left: From Vanimans Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps, climbing up the hill through the bush until it comes to the intersection with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the only unsignposted bush track up the gentle hill. It winds up the wooden steps, bending around to the left until it flattens out at the intersection with the Scenic World footbridge.Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the wooden footbridge that winds around the back of the Scenic World multi-story car park, to the concrete footpath. The walk continues around the main building, climbing up some concrete steps to the main entrance of Scenic World.

Very easy

Turn left : From the bridge over the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk follows the signs to ‘scenic walkway’, passing a replica of a mining cart, as well as an old mine. Just past this, the walk comes to a pipeline that runs down the hill collecting fresh water, signposted as drinkable. Continuing past the old mine shafts along the boardwalk, this walk comes to an intersection with a bush track going slightly off to the right. This is signposted as the way to the Landslide.

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide track and signposts towards the ‘landslide’[2] (keeping the cliffs on the right). The walk winds along a bush track with small boulders strewn along it. There are a number of old mine shafts just off the track and some interesting historical items. The track continues under Malaita Point before breaking out of the vegetation to a worthy view of the valley, just before the landslide. As the track comes to the old landslide site, it become rougher with plenty of boulders over the track. There are also excellent views of the cliffs above and the landslide as the vegetation is quite sparse here.

The Landslide

‘The Landslide’ is a large rockfall going into the valley approximately 100m. There is a good vantage point for the landslide from under the cliffs to the east, and a great but more distant view from Narrow Neck lookout. The landslide occurred in 1931 after a few days of rumbling. There has been much debate as to whether this event was helped along by erosion and coal mining in the area at the time.

(1.64km) Landslide → Bottom of Golden Staircase

1.6 km

42 mins

128m

-123m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the eastern side of the Landslide, the walk heads across the face of the landslide (keeping the cliff on the right). At this point, the track is quite rough, with frequent boulders making it a slight scramble. On the other side of the landslide, the track narrows and becomes a flat bush track that follows the base of the cliffs. The surrounding trees become quite dense again, adding quite an ambiance to the area. The walk heads along the bottom of the Narrow Neck escarpment, until coming to an intersection with a set of stairs off to the right, signposted as the ‘Golden Staircase’.

(3.19km) Bottom of Golden Staircase → Scenic World

3 km

1 hr 26 mins

420m

-213m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Golden Stairs car park’ sign[3] uphill past the termite mound[4] then past the ‘Warning – Sections of the Golden Stairs are unfenced and can be slippery when wet’ sign[5]. The walk heads up the broad spur along a narrow track, and before long, starts to climbs the first set of rock and metal stairs. After this climb, the track is relatively flat for a little while before another climb up similar stairs[6]. Then the walk makes its way around a gully[7] to the base of a cliff. From here the track is flat for a while, heading between the cliff and the fence for about 100m[8], (passing a ‘Caution Rockfall Hazard’ sign[9]) before another, smaller climb, up through a gap in the rock[10] to the fenced and signposted ‘Botting’s L.O.’[11].Turn left: From Botting’s Lookout[12], the walk heads up the hill where the track then turns left. The walk continues, steeply in a couple of places, up some eroded sections of track[13] and through a couple of switchbacks. Soon the narrow track mostly flattens out. leading to the signposted ‘Golden Stairs’[14] car park[15] on Glenraphael Dr[16].Veer right: From the Golden Stairs car park, this walk follows the dirt road north, down the gentle hill and along the ridge as it undulates up and down for about 1km, before reaching the Sydney Water management trail – this is closed to the public at all times.Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt road heading up the hill and undulating along the ridge for about 1km, before it climbs up to the intersection with Cliff Drive.Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk heads up Cliff Drive briefly, then follows the management trail on the right, just past the house. At the end of the trail, this walk turns right onto Violet Street, following this to the front entrance of Scenic World.

(3.19km) Bottom of Golden Staircase → Miners Campsite

2.3 km

51 mins

104m

-129m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Federal Pass – Ruined Castle’ sign[17] along the flat wide track, keeping the valley to your left. This track follows the old horse-drawn coal tram route. The track leads through a tall rainforest filled with fern trees[18] and vines[19], with the occasional lyrebird. After about 1.3km the forest opens up[20], letting in more light and exposing some distant filtered views. After wandering through the more open forest[21] for about 250m, the track passes a small campsite[22] (on the right). This walk continues for another 700m along the main track through the bracken fern forest[23] to find a larger campsite[24] (just up to the right) with a short stone wall on one side[25]).

Miners Campsite

This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass walking track about 2.2km south of the intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. There is short constructed stone wall[26] left over from when there area was habited by miners. The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is no water or facilities.

(5.45km) Miners Campsite → Northern Ruined Castle campsite

300 m

7 mins

16m

-11m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the miners campsite[27], this walk follows the clear track south-west, keeping the valley to your left. The mostly flat track narrows a bit as it leads past a large flat area (on your right) after about 140m[28], then past a smaller campsite[29] a short distance later. The track then winds through the forest for another 100m to come to a clearing and signposted three-way intersection[30], where there is a ‘Federal Pass – Katoomba’ sign[31] pointing back along the track. (There is a campsite a few metres further on and to the the left[32].)

Northern Ruined Castle campsite

A short distance south east of the intersection[33] with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares[34]. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns[35][36][37][38]. There is no water nor any other facilities.

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Mount Solitary’ sign[39] past the campsite (on your left) and past the ‘Warning – Remote area indistinct route steep terrain – Exposed climbing loose surfaces – No reliable water Carry plenty Sterilise any water found on route’ sign[40]. This walk continues along the mostly flat track, passing through a tall turpentine forest[41] for about 450m where you come into view of a campsite[42] (down to your left). The walk continues a short distance further, coming to an intersection[43] where there is a fair amount of coal on the ground[44], a campsite down to your left[45] and the entrance to an old small coal mine[46] (behind a rock) on your right. Now Continue straight to rejoin the main walk .

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follow the main track south-east, initially keeping the campsite and valley to your left. The track initially heads down a short rocky section[47] then flattens out to pass a large square boulder[48] after about 100m. The track continues through ferny forest for just over 200m, then passes another campsite[49] (down a steep hill to your left), and about 30m further on, comes to a signposted intersection where a ‘Katoomba’ arrow[50][51] points back along the track. Now Continue straight to rejoin the main walk .

(5.75km) Northern Ruined Castle campsite → Ruined Castle

730 m

20 mins

82m

-17m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Ruined Castle’[52] sign uphill along the eroded track and soon passes the yellow ‘Warning – Remote area indistinct route steep terrain – Exposed climbing loose surfaces – No reliable water Carry plenty Sterilise any water found on route’ sign[53]. The track winds up the wide valley getting steeper as it goes, climbing up onto the main ridgeline. Here the walk turns left (away from the view of Castle Head[54]) and follows the rocky track more gently uphill for about 220m to pass under the side of a large boulder[55]. The track continues along the narrow ridge for about 280m, with some filtered views past another large boulder to the base of the tall Ruined Castle summit[56]. Here the walk heads gently down a bit (keeping the rock wall to your left), past a crevice[57], then follows the main track to the other (southern) side of the summit. The track then heads up again to find a number of rocky pinnacles[58].

(6.48km) Ruined Castle → Intersection South of Ruined Castle

390 m

12 mins

1m

-123m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From near the summit of Ruined Castle[59], this walk heads south-east along the main ridgeline, initially keeping the rock wall to your left[60]. The track follows the rocky ridgeline gently downhill[61] and after about 70m the track starts to become much steeper[62]. The track winds down, flattening out for a short time[63] before continuing steeply down to a sign posted three-way intersection[64] just beyond the ‘Ruined Castle to Mount Solitary’ map[65]. There is a ‘Ruined Castle’ arrow[66] here, pointing back up the hill.

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Mount Solitary’ sign[67] gently downhill along the fairly narrow track[68], keeping the main valley to your left. After about 300m, the more eroded and rocky track[69] begins to climb the ridge and after climbing for just shy of 300m, the track flattens out and passes a couple of small clearings[70][71] – the second clearing is just past where the track leads downhill. Just after the second clearing (used as a campsite[72]), the track begins to climb up the ridge again[73]. This track climbs up a few rocky eroded section and soon comes to the base of a tall series of rockwalls – the Korrowall Knife-edge[74].

(8.2km) Bottom of Korrowall Knife-edge → Top of Korrowall Knife-edge

200 m

12 mins

86m

-2m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From the base of the rocks[75], this walk starts the arduous climb up the Korrowall Knife-edge. Ascending the Korrowall Knife-edge is a hard climb, vertical in places and much of the climbing will involve both hands – some people use ropes to help lift heavy packs. This walk initially heads around to the left of the first boulder to head up through the eroded steep valley[76] between the rocks. The walk continues to scramble up the side of the rocks[77], then climbs vertically up a crack in the rock[78] to a small flat area[79], offering the first distant view[80] for this climb. The walk continues by climbing up a 3m rock wall[81], then up the eroded track[82] before climbing up through the obvious gap[83] in the next rock wall. At the top of this climb is another great view[84] and a short distance further up, this faint track passes a rock with a hole/cave[85] (on your right). From here, the walk follows the worn track up through a couple more rock gullies[86], still generally keeping the rock wall to your right (and passing a couple of arrows[87]). This brings the walk to an exposed flat area, with red dirt and fantastic views[88]. The walk continues by climbing up through the next eroded gully[89] to the top of the Korrowall Knife-edge, where there is a large rock wall on your left[90].

Maps for the Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

Length

16.2 km

Time

11 hrs

.

Grade 5/6

Experienced only

AS 2156.1

Gradient

Very steep and difficult scrambles (5/6)

Quality of track

Rough unclear track (5/6)

Signs

No directional signs (5/6)

Experience Required

High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)

Weather

Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Infrastructure

No facilities provided (5/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 2.1km is very steep and a 590m section is very steep with difficult rock scrambles. The remaining 490m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.1km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 590m follows a rough unclear track and the remaining 490m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 2.4km has minimal directional signs. Whilst another 490m is clearly signposted and the remaining 200m Has no directional signs.

Experience Required

3.7km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 2.4km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. Whilst another 2km requires no previous bushwalking experience and the remaining 200m requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience.

weather

6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 1.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (930m) is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.7km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). Whilst another 490m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and the remaining 200m has no facilities provided.

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle walk.

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-srtmsvtrc
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.